Into the world's unspoiled natural places, with awe and respect, from dirt-cheap to hyper-luxe.
Ecotourism in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
picryl Let´s start with the fact that the Virgin Islands National Park covers nearly 60 percent of the island, based on land donated by millionaire philanthropist Laurence Rockefeller in 1956, and it harbors more than 20 trails which take hikers through diverse terrains, including various beaches, rock petroglyphs carved by the ancient Taíno people (in some cases more than a thousand years ago), and the ruins of centuries-old plantations (more about them below). Particularly notable routes…
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I can talk about what I know well: Eco friendly hotels. Since Green is the in thing nowadays, some hotels or tour operators used the word Eco without really caring and truly being green so I understand that it can be hard for the travelers to know what is truly eco friendly. That's the main reason I created my website: www.best-ecolodges.com .
What you need to look for in a ecolodge or green hotel is the following:
Is the hotel energy efficient ? example use of solar or wind power?
Do they protect the environment – its flora, fauna and landscape?
example Organic gardening practices? Recycle?
Do they Conserve natural resources?
example collect rain water and recycled water?
Do they Support, respect and benefit local culture and economy?
example, do they provide jobs to local or indigenous populations? Do they participate in ecological projects?
And the list goes on, for more info look at http://www.best-ecolodges.com/about_us.htm
They are some eco certifications out there but sadly I find they are often biased or "corrupted", some of them you just need to pay some money to get certified...
I hope that helps!
Btw: I also buy 100% recycled toilet paper, even small things can make a big difference in preserving our environment :-)
Eve
One question for the group as a whole: I'm a pretty eco-conscious guy, I buy recycled toilet paper, the whole nine yards. Seems to me there are so many outfits out there selling eco-tourism, but what is eco-tourism? How do we really know how eco friendly any particular outfit is? is there any kind of "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for eco-toursim, so the consumer can know they're going with a company that really cares about the environment?
Would love to hear from you all!
Get immersed and experience the essence of life, culture and nature in Italy. The tours target active travelers that want something out of the ordinary, an experience of authentic discovery and learning through Eco-sustainable Tours and Activities that sets a visit to Italy apart from other destinations. A farmer's apprentice, an expert in wine, a Traditional musician, home hosted lunches , cooking classes, horse-ride tours, hiking- you get the idea! Experience Italy like never before with an innovative series of Experiential and Eco-friendly Horseback Riding Tours that encourage visitors to discover and explore our beautiful country with no impact on the preserved natural and archeological environment while doing it.Let us e take you on a search for beautiful little churches, silent abandoned medieval cities, natural parks, Etruscan necropolis preserved in the intact landscapes, deserted monasteries and castle ruin, around volcanic lakes. The trails are often the same our ancient ancestors have covered over the last 3000 years.
Enjoy the open air of the Etruscan countryside. No experience in riding is necessary. Travel on horseback leads to a deep discovery of our landscapes, historical background and people.. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a knight for a day!
Whether at a walk, a trot or a gallop - there's nothing like a tour of Italy's Etruscan region like that atop the saddle of fine Italian horse. After all, the region has boasted an equestrian heritage since the Etruscan and the Roman times.
Few Samples:
Volcanic Lakes Natural Park horse-ride Tour. Lake Bracciano and Lake Martignano are two different volcanic lakes separated by a hill. Lake Bracciano has three villages and is inhabitated, Lake Martignano is smaller but its natural beauty is superior (intact, no houses, no cars). The tour will include panoramic views over the two lakes from the hilltop and a horse-ride along the beach of Lake Martignano
Monterano Natural and Archeological horse-tour. The tour consist in a ride inside a natural park formed by a forest, Etruscan tombs, little volcanic effect in its river, an Etruscan road cut into the Tufa stone, an abandoned Medieval village on a hilltop, deserted monasteries and castle ruin with a magnificent monument, in the middle of meadows and nature, recalling Bernini, the baroque master of Rome..
Of course, all that fresh air and sunshine makes for a hearty appetite, and the best horseback riding tours will also include plenty of opportunity to sample the regions most famous wines and regional disshes:
Join a Home-hosted Meals with an Italian family in their farm and taste the flavors of authentic Italian home-made and fresh food which is produced right there directly by the family. Meet your hosts, warm and personable people with wonderful energy, and their innate ability to make you feel at home. They will proudly show you their private farm and olive garden before enjoying an informal family-style lunch in the panoramic terrace or inside the house.
Try our Cooking Classes in the country kitchen of a beautiful countryside farm-house or in a private villa, in the gorgeous rolling and green hills of Rome. During 2 hours hands-on cooking lesson you will learn classic Italian cooking from a local women who will reveal you family recipes that have been passed-on through generations. These recipes are all true home cooking, and everything is done by hand. Get the apron on and go wrist-deep in dough as we explore the art of cooking in the Italian countryside. We savor the fruits of our labor during a festive lunch.
Enjoy a typical Italian Musical aperitive with fresh and healthy Mediterranean food during accompanied by the sound of traditional Italian music played by an exclusive private musician in breath-taking spots.
Expand your discoveries with optional experiences that can be added and customized to any tour.
Pontuali.com has a host of innovative Experiential Activities that will excite the most discerning traveler!
For more details, visit www.pontuali.com/marco
Claire
The property has been running for nearly ten years and enjoys numerous repeat guests, underlining the fact that a responsible holiday can be an enjoyable one. Gecko Villa offers fully catered stays of two nights or more at this private pool villa and encourages guests to interact with the locals, via the Thai host family that welcomes them.
Details of activities undertaken at the property may be seen at this Thai villa's blog.
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